Self-disclosure has long been considered a controversial topic in therapist circles. Self-disclosure occurs when a therapist shares personal information, thoughts, feelings, or experiences with their client(s). This can occur inside or outside of a therapeutic setting. For instance, a therapist could deliberately choose to reveal something about themselves or their personal story in an effort to benefit the client’s progress. Another way self-disclosure could occur is if a client and therapist run into each other outside of the office, say at the grocery store, and the client sees the therapist’s grocery cart full of various and sundry personal items. Self-disclosure can benefit the client and further the therapeutic relationship when done within appropriate ethical boundaries. Therapists are humans too, and when therapists are able to practice ethically in an authentic way, they are able to face less burnout and develop a strong therapeutic alliance with their clients. With that in mind, I’ve decided to share my account of a typical Friday – from sunrise to sunset – a day in the life of this therapist.
Morning
I’m a morning person, so my days start early. This past Friday, my alarm went off at 5:32 am, but I was already awake. I rolled out of bed and started my day. This Friday is a workout day, so I woke up early, in part to hydrate prior to my workout. I love a slow morning, so after filling up my 40 oz Owala water bottle and stirring in some Liquid IV, I nestle into my favorite corner of the couch to wake up while checking in on the news of the day. Before long, my dog trots out from the bedroom, and I let him outside. While he moseys around the yard, I step outside and take a deep breath of crisp autumn air. We then both go back inside and prepare for our morning walk around the block. We spend about 30 minutes touring the neighborhood before returning home. We immediately complete the morning ritual of filling up my dog’s water bowl, and he laps it up while I prepare to leave for my workout. I gather my water bottle, towel, and snack, and head to Orange Theory. This is new for me, and I’m really enjoying the community and endorphins that come from group fitness classes. After an hour of rowing, power walking, and lifting weights, I am sweaty and content. I head home to get ready for the workday. Showering and breakfast are next, followed by outfit selection and hair styling. I spend some time relaxing and reading until it’s time for virtual supervision. In supervision I talk to my supervisor about growing as a therapist and difficulties I’ve had in the past couple of weeks since we last met. My supervisor provides thoughtful commentary and asks me questions that stick with me as I go about the rest of my day.
Afternoon
After supervision, I gather my snacks and emotional support water bottle, protein shake, and caffeinated beverage of choice and drive to work. On the drive I call a loved one and we chat about our days so far. I like to arrive at the office about 30 minutes before I start seeing clients. This allows me to settle into the office, start my daily progress notes, and “get my head on straight” before my clients come through the door. By the time 1 pm rolls around, I feel fairly clear-headed and ready to hold space for the stories of my clients. Fridays are pretty busy for me, usually, but this week I only have four sessions scheduled with a two-hour break in the middle of my shift. I look forward to the relaxed pace this Friday holds. I start the workday with a telehealth session, followed by an in-person appointment. During my two-hour break, I catch up on notes, chat with my co-workers, scroll TikTok, and read a little to prepare for my final two sessions of the day.
Evening
Two in-person sessions cap off my workday, and I load up my backpack with my laptop, notebook, and therapy supplies before heading home. Depending on how busy my day is, I use my drive home to recalibrate and prepare for a restful evening. Because this particular Friday was not too busy, I listened to some music on the way home and sang along. After my commute, I deposit my backpack and lunchbox in the kitchen, and heat up leftovers for a late dinner. I eat on the couch while my dog begs for a morsel at my feet. With pickleball playing on the TV, I noncommittally scroll social media and transition into my bedtime routine. My dog goes outside one final time before bed, I fill up my water bottle so it’s ready in the morning, brush my teeth, and climb into bed by 9 pm. Cozy is my favorite state of being and sleep comes easily this evening.
Tomorrow will be different and also the same. I love my routines and variety too. I share this day in the life sample with you as a behind the scenes peek into what it’s like to be a person and a therapist all at the same time.